| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-10-01 | - |
Program Overview
This online program, designed in collaboration with the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, provides comprehensive knowledge and understanding of cataract and refractive surgery. It covers the basics of refractive surgery, including excimer lasers, ablation profiles, topography, and aberrometry, as well as pre-operative assessment, post-operative follow-up, and management of complications. The program is fully online and distance learning, with assessments based on coursework and class tests.
Program Outline
Degree Overview
Objectives:
- Enhance the ability to correlate pathophysiology of cataract and refractive errors with principles of surgical correction.
- Develop independence in planning, assessment, implementation, and post-surgery care of cataract and refractive surgery activities.
- Enhance the ability to correlate the physical principles guiding each surgical step while adhering to good medical practice principles.
- Cultivate practical understanding of research methods used to create and interpret knowledge, promoting a critical and scholarly approach to various refractive surgery methodologies.
Description:
This program allows students to gain knowledge and understanding of current theory and practice in Cataract and Refractive Surgery, equipping them to effectively assist or perform these procedures in the future. The program was designed in collaboration with The Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth) standards, curriculum, and examination committees. It covers the basics of refractive surgery, including excimer lasers, ablation profiles, topography, and aberrometry. The curriculum progresses through microkeratomes and femtosecond lasers to LASEK, LASIK, phakic IOLs and clear lens extractions, covering the associated complications and management strategies for each. Pre-op assessment, post-op followup, prevention and management of complications, surgical variants of phaco, and modern intraocular lenses (IOLs) for cataract surgery are also covered. This program provides a comprehensive introduction to the "how, what, and when" of cataract and refractive surgery.
Outline
Content:
- Basics of Refractive Surgery
- Excimer lasers
- Ablation Profiles
- Topography
- Aberrometry
- Microkeratomes
- Femtosecond lasers
- LASEK
- LASIK
- Phakic IOLs
- Clear Lens Extractions
- Complications and Management
- Pre-operative Assessment
- Post-operative Follow-up
- Prevention and Management of Complications
- Surgical Variants of Phaco
- Modern Intraocular Lenses (IOLs) for Cataract Surgery
Structure:
- Fully online distance learning
Course Schedule:
- Starts in October 2024
Modules:
- Introduction to Theoretical Aspects of Refractive Surgery
- Pre-operative Assessment in Cataract and Refractive Surgery
- Provides the theoretical basis for pre-operative evaluation of patients undergoing refractive and cataract surgery.
- The Theory of Laser Refractive Surgery
- Covers the history and theoretical aspects of corneal laser refractive surgery, including LASIK, PRK, LASEK, Epi-LASIK, and SMILE. Reviews the technology of excimer lasers, microkeratomes, and femtosecond lasers, as well as the range of ablation profiles. Discusses surgical technique, safety considerations, and intraoperative complications for each procedure.
- Lens Refractive Surgery
- Provides the theoretical basis for complications of surface ablation, LASIK, and intraocular refractive surgery, discussing their practical management and problem-solving.
- Correction of Regular and Irregular Astigmatism
- Addresses the classification, aetiology, and treatment of irregular (post-surgical, traumatic, etc.) and regular astigmatism with laser and incision techniques.
- Understanding Phakic Iols
- Provides in-depth knowledge of preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative aspects of phakic IOLs, including combinations of various refractive techniques.
- Correction of Presbyopia and High Ametropia
- Provides in-depth knowledge of controversial aspects of presbyopia surgery, focusing on the drawbacks of each of the following techniques: thermokeratoplasty; excimer laser for presbyopia; clear lens extraction/MICS; aspheric and multifocal IOLs.
- Post Operative Complications of Lens and Laser Refractive Surgery
- Business Development, Clinical Governance, and Medicolegal Issues Introduces strategies for successful establishment of a refractive surgery business.
Assessment
- 100% coursework
- Split into two pieces of assessment for each module to match the learning outcomes
- Coursework 1: Online discussion contributions / peer learning
- Students are expected to actively participate in online discussions, making a minimum of three substantive postings per week.
- Marked on the basis of content and originality.
- Each discussion forum provides an opportunity to contribute thoughts, views, and opinions on the topic.
- Encourages critical thinking, debate, and interpretation of diagnostic data.
- Students are also expected to post a reflective log discussion at the end of each module.
- Coursework 2: Class Tests
- Weekly online class tests are compulsory.
- Consist of twelve single best answer questions.
- Examine students' factual learning from the online lectures and recommended text.
Teaching
- Online lectures delivered via Blackboard Learn in the form of MP4 videos, HTML, PDF, or audio files.
- Lectures are designed to communicate knowledge and provide guidance for self-directed learning.
- Discussion and debate are encouraged, promoting teamwork, communication, discussion, and critical reasoning.
- Online discussions allow students to support each other, identify problems, and receive mentoring.
- Students are expected to read a range of texts and online learning materials to prepare for assessments.
Careers
Ulster University
Overview:
Ulster University is a public university in Northern Ireland with campuses in Belfast, Coleraine, Derry~Londonderry, and a dedicated Sports Village. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as short courses and research opportunities. The university is known for its commitment to research and innovation, ranking in the top 10% of UK universities for research impact.
Services Offered:
Ulster University provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Accommodation:
On-campus accommodation options are available at all campuses.Sports Services:
The university boasts a dedicated Sports Village with various facilities and memberships.Student Union:
The Ulster University Students' Union (UUSU) offers a variety of support services and social activities.Student Wellbeing:
The university provides support services for student mental health and well-being.Digital Services:
Students have access to online resources and services through the university portal.Library Services:
The university library offers a wide range of resources and support for learning, teaching, and research.Employability and Careers Advice:
The university provides guidance and support for students seeking employment opportunities.Global Partnerships:
The university offers opportunities for international students and partnerships with other institutions.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Ulster University offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience. Students can expect:
Strong sense of community:
Each campus fosters a welcoming and supportive environment.Active student life:
UUSU organizes various social events, clubs, and societies.Access to facilities:
Students have access to modern facilities, including libraries, sports centers, and accommodation.Opportunities for personal development:
The university offers various programs and activities to enhance students' skills and well-being.Key Reasons to Study There:
High-quality education:
Ulster University offers a wide range of programs taught by experienced academics.Strong research focus:
The university is known for its commitment to research and innovation.Vibrant campus life:
Students can enjoy a diverse and engaging campus experience.Excellent support services:
The university provides comprehensive support services for students' academic and personal needs.Career-focused approach:
The university emphasizes employability and provides career guidance to students.Academic Programs:
Ulster University offers a wide range of academic programs across various faculties, including:
Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
Life and Health Sciences
Ulster University Business School
The university is particularly strong in areas such as:
Nursing and Healthcare
Business and Management
Engineering and Technology
Arts and Humanities
Other:
- The university has a strong commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
- Ulster University is registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland.
- The university has a dedicated website for alumni and supporters.
- The university offers a range of online courses and resources.
Entry Requirements:
EU Home Students:
- Must have obtained an Honours or non-Honours degree in a relevant field from a recognized university in the UK or Ireland, or an equivalent qualification from another country.
- Possess evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent).
International Overseas Students (outside the EU):
- Same requirement for an Honours or non-Honours degree in a relevant field as EU students.
- Meet the minimum English language proficiency requirement of Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5, or an equivalent score on another accepted English language test.
Alternative Entry Route:
In exceptional cases, individuals with substantial and significant experiential learning may be considered for entry based on a portfolio of written evidence demonstrating the attainment of graduate qualities relevant to the program. This portfolio must be reviewed and approved by the Course Committee.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
For international students:
- Minimum requirement of Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5.
- Alternatively, a Pass at level III on the Trinity ISE test is also acceptable.
- Ulster University recognizes a range of other English language tests with equivalent IELTS scores.
For EU Home Students:
- Evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent) is required.
Note:
- Applicants who do not meet the standard English language requirements may be eligible for pre-sessional English language courses offered by the University.
